The Mysterious 'Shamir', by David Roth. Recollections of David Salkeld's work studying the properties of what is known in Ancient Scriptures as 'Shamir'. This substance is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and Legends of the Jews. It was used as an engraving and carving implement and capable of cutting diamond and metals. It was also extremely dangerous to those not qualified in its handling. Salkeld concluded that it was possibly a radioactive material known to the Ancients.